Lexical Summary mattelaah: Weariness, fatigue, hardship Original Word: מַתְּלָאָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance what a weariness From mah and tla'ah; what a trouble! -- what a weariness. see HEBREW mah see HEBREW tla'ah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina combination of mah and telaah, q.v. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope מַתְּלָאָה denotes the sense of worship becoming a laborious burden. It is less a comment on physical exhaustion than a description of an inward posture that treats the service of God as tiresome. Biblical Occurrence Malachi 1:13 holds the sole attestation: “You also say, ‘Oh, what a burden!’ and you sniff at it,” says the LORD of Hosts…. The term expresses the priests’ complaint that the sacrificial system is wearisome. Contextual Background Malachi addresses post-exilic priests who, though restored to temple service, had drifted into ritual complacency. Instead of regarding the altar as a privilege, they viewed it as drudgery, offering blemished animals in violation of Leviticus 22:19–20 and Deuteronomy 15:21. מַתְּלָאָה exposes hearts that prefer minimal effort over reverent obedience. Theological Significance 1. Holiness of God: Treating worship as “weariness” dishonors the LORD of Hosts, whose “name is to be feared among the nations” (Malachi 1:14). Historical Usage Among Israel Temple liturgy demanded precision, yet previous generations—Aaron’s sons, Eli’s household—had similarly treated holy things lightly (Leviticus 10:1–2; 1 Samuel 2:12–17). Malachi’s era perpetuated this decline, necessitating prophetic rebuke and promising a coming messenger who would “purify the sons of Levi” (Malachi 3:3). Intertextual Echoes Though unique in form, the concept reappears: Christological Foreshadowing Where earthly priests found sacrifice burdensome, the perfect High Priest embraced it. Jesus Christ “for the joy set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2), turning the ultimate act of worship into willing self-offering (John 10:17–18). מַתְּלָאָה thus contrasts fallen priesthood with Messiah’s wholehearted obedience. Implications for Worship 1. Attitude over Activity: Ministry may be demanding, but when love for God fades, even minor duties feel oppressive. Applications for Ministry • Pastoral Oversight: Leaders must guard against a culture where routine replaces reverence. Regular self-examination in light of Malachi fosters integrity (1 Timothy 4:16). Conclusion מַתְּלָאָה is a mirror reflecting the danger of spiritual fatigue that mutates privilege into burden. The prophetic warning resounds today: worship must never be reduced to mere obligation but continually refreshed by reverent love for the LORD who is worthy of our best. Forms and Transliterations מַתְּלָאָ֜ה מתלאה mat·tə·lā·’āh mattəlā’āh mattelaAhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Malachi 1:13 HEB: וַאֲמַרְתֶּם֩ הִנֵּ֨ה מַתְּלָאָ֜ה וְהִפַּחְתֶּ֣ם אוֹת֗וֹ KJV: Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness [is it]! and ye have snuffed INT: say behold A weariness disdainfully says 1 Occurrence |
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